Courses Offered for Agricutlure at MCTEA
Intro to Ag, Food & Natural Resources 1 credit Year Grades 9-12
8101-8102
This course covers basic concepts in agriculture. Topics in the course include plant sciences, animal sciences, food science, agribusiness, leadership, agricultural mechanics, and communications. The application of leadership skills is included by participating in FFA activities, conferences, and Career Development Events. It serves as an introduction to much of the coursework included within the Agricultural Education program.
Animal Science 1 credit Year Grades 10-12
8103 & 8104
Suggested Prerequisite: Intro to Ag, Food, and Natural Resources
Students in this course will gain experiences that will involve the study of animal, anatomy, physiology, behavior, nutrition, reproduction, health, selection and marketing of animals. Students will explore hands-on projects and activities to learn the characteristics of animal science and work on major projects and problems similar to veterinarians, livestock producers, zoologists and other industry personnel. Other course topics include history and use of animals, cells and tissues, genetics, and animal health.
Fundamental Horticulture .5 credit Semester Grades 10-12
8216
Suggested Prerequisite: Intro to Ag, Food, and Nat. Res.
This course will give students a background in horticultural science and the many career opportunities in nursery, garden, turf and landscape industries. It addresses the biology and genetics involved in production, processing, and marketing of horticulture. Topics covered include classifying and identifying plants, physiology and propagation, pest management, understanding soil, environmental, and fertility factors affecting plant growth, various horticulture industry sectors, and employability skills. Classroom and laboratory content may be enhanced by utilizing the greenhouse.
Leadership and Communication .5 credit Semester Grades 9-12.
8130
Suggested Prerequisite: Intro to Ag, Food, and Nat. Res.
In this course, students learn how to become more effective leaders in their school and community. The course focuses on participation in organizations, personal development, advocacy, and communications.
Companion Animals .5 credit Semester Grades 10-12
8215
Companion Animals is designed to give students an understanding of basic care and handling practices related to small animals. Students will learn about a variety of small animals including cats, dogs, fish, rabbits, hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, chinchillas, reptiles, birds and more.
Agribusiness Management .5 credit Semester Grades11-12
8305
Suggested Prerequisite: Intro to Ag/Food/NR; Ag Sales and Market.
Agribusiness Management is a semester-length or year-long high school elective that introduces the business, management, marketing, and financial skills needed to successfully produce food, fiber, and fuel for domestic and global markets. Students will learn about the components of the agribusiness system and how they interact to deliver food to our tables. They will also learn about the key elements of a successful agribusiness enterprise: economics, financial management, marketing and sales, and government policies and regulations. As a component of this class, students will create a business plan for either a local business or business they wish to start.
Veterinary Science .5 or 1 credit Semester Grades 10-12
8315 & 8316
Required Prerequisite: Animal Science
Suggested Prerequisite: Intro to Ag/Food/Nat Res
Veterinary Science prepares students for postsecondary education and/or careers in veterinary medicine or related fields. Students develop their skills in anatomy, nutrition, medical terminology, sanitation, clinical exams, and animal handling. Facility maintenance, safety and sanitation practices, and clinical office functions are also included
Agribusiness Sales and Marketing .5 credit Semester Grades 10-12
8307
Topics in this course include job search strategies, writing resumes and cover letters, the selling process, marketing plans for products and services, trade, global food needs, ag production in South Dakota, and inventory management.
Fundamentals of Natural Resources .5 credit Semester Grades 10-12
8410
This class is designed to give students a well-rounded understanding of the resources we use every day. Topics of study in this course include air, water, forestry, pollution, outdoor recreation, soils, and careers related to these fields.
Wildlife and Fisheries .5 credit Semester Grades 10-12
8440
Students in this course will understand how and why the management of wildlife and fish is important. They will identify many species of animals and will investigate topics including hunter safety, hunting and fishing laws, game management, endangered species, habitat requirements, and current events. Topics in this course include job search strategies, writing resumes and cover letters, the selling process, marketing plans for products and services, trade, global food needs, ag production in South Dakota, and inventory management.
8101-8102
This course covers basic concepts in agriculture. Topics in the course include plant sciences, animal sciences, food science, agribusiness, leadership, agricultural mechanics, and communications. The application of leadership skills is included by participating in FFA activities, conferences, and Career Development Events. It serves as an introduction to much of the coursework included within the Agricultural Education program.
Animal Science 1 credit Year Grades 10-12
8103 & 8104
Suggested Prerequisite: Intro to Ag, Food, and Natural Resources
Students in this course will gain experiences that will involve the study of animal, anatomy, physiology, behavior, nutrition, reproduction, health, selection and marketing of animals. Students will explore hands-on projects and activities to learn the characteristics of animal science and work on major projects and problems similar to veterinarians, livestock producers, zoologists and other industry personnel. Other course topics include history and use of animals, cells and tissues, genetics, and animal health.
Fundamental Horticulture .5 credit Semester Grades 10-12
8216
Suggested Prerequisite: Intro to Ag, Food, and Nat. Res.
This course will give students a background in horticultural science and the many career opportunities in nursery, garden, turf and landscape industries. It addresses the biology and genetics involved in production, processing, and marketing of horticulture. Topics covered include classifying and identifying plants, physiology and propagation, pest management, understanding soil, environmental, and fertility factors affecting plant growth, various horticulture industry sectors, and employability skills. Classroom and laboratory content may be enhanced by utilizing the greenhouse.
Leadership and Communication .5 credit Semester Grades 9-12.
8130
Suggested Prerequisite: Intro to Ag, Food, and Nat. Res.
In this course, students learn how to become more effective leaders in their school and community. The course focuses on participation in organizations, personal development, advocacy, and communications.
Companion Animals .5 credit Semester Grades 10-12
8215
Companion Animals is designed to give students an understanding of basic care and handling practices related to small animals. Students will learn about a variety of small animals including cats, dogs, fish, rabbits, hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, chinchillas, reptiles, birds and more.
Agribusiness Management .5 credit Semester Grades11-12
8305
Suggested Prerequisite: Intro to Ag/Food/NR; Ag Sales and Market.
Agribusiness Management is a semester-length or year-long high school elective that introduces the business, management, marketing, and financial skills needed to successfully produce food, fiber, and fuel for domestic and global markets. Students will learn about the components of the agribusiness system and how they interact to deliver food to our tables. They will also learn about the key elements of a successful agribusiness enterprise: economics, financial management, marketing and sales, and government policies and regulations. As a component of this class, students will create a business plan for either a local business or business they wish to start.
Veterinary Science .5 or 1 credit Semester Grades 10-12
8315 & 8316
Required Prerequisite: Animal Science
Suggested Prerequisite: Intro to Ag/Food/Nat Res
Veterinary Science prepares students for postsecondary education and/or careers in veterinary medicine or related fields. Students develop their skills in anatomy, nutrition, medical terminology, sanitation, clinical exams, and animal handling. Facility maintenance, safety and sanitation practices, and clinical office functions are also included
Agribusiness Sales and Marketing .5 credit Semester Grades 10-12
8307
Topics in this course include job search strategies, writing resumes and cover letters, the selling process, marketing plans for products and services, trade, global food needs, ag production in South Dakota, and inventory management.
Fundamentals of Natural Resources .5 credit Semester Grades 10-12
8410
This class is designed to give students a well-rounded understanding of the resources we use every day. Topics of study in this course include air, water, forestry, pollution, outdoor recreation, soils, and careers related to these fields.
Wildlife and Fisheries .5 credit Semester Grades 10-12
8440
Students in this course will understand how and why the management of wildlife and fish is important. They will identify many species of animals and will investigate topics including hunter safety, hunting and fishing laws, game management, endangered species, habitat requirements, and current events. Topics in this course include job search strategies, writing resumes and cover letters, the selling process, marketing plans for products and services, trade, global food needs, ag production in South Dakota, and inventory management.